By Trend News Line 2024-05-25 14:15:00.
A proposed logging operation in the upper Highwood River watershed has raised concerns over the potential threat to critical habitat for at-risk trout species. The planned 1,100-hectare logging plan by lumber company West Fraser poses significant risks to watercourses, riparian zones, and hillslopes in the Loomis Creek watershed, a tributary of the Highwood River.
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The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) and Freshwater Research Ltd. conducted a study that found the logging plan could lead to increased erosion, sedimentation, and altered stream flows, all of which could harm sensitive fish populations. Bull and westslope cutthroat trout, listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act, rely on clean, cold water for survival. The removal of forest cover and the construction of logging roads could lead to increased sediment delivery and higher stream temperatures, threatening the recovery of these species.
Dave Mayhood, president of Freshwater Research Ltd., who has more than 50 years of experience in aquatic ecology, warns that logging roads, water crossings, and inadequate tree cover resulting from clearcutting could add sediment to tributaries feeding into the Highwood River. The study also highlighted the risk of flooding during peak flows and reduced water availability during summer low flows.
The report also pointed out that the logging plan lacks adequate riparian buffers, with 22 of the 36 area sub-watersheds having over 25 percent of their watercourse lengths left unprotected. This lack of protection could lead to significant increases in water temperature, impacting the ability of trout species to compete with other fish.
Further assessments revealed that the Highwood River is a high-value watershed with important aquatic habitat for bull and westslope cutthroat trout. However, little is known about the status of these species populations in the area. A recent study commissioned by CPAWS revealed the presence of bull trout in Loomis Creek, suggesting that the area supports all life stages of the species.
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Following the release of these findings, West Fraser announced a pause in its logging plan to further consult with stakeholders and interested parties. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has launched an investigation into the company’s activities, including the premature construction of a bridge over the Highwood River.
The importance of protecting critical habitat for threatened species under the Species at Risk Act cannot be overstated. With climate change exacerbating hydrological changes in the region, it is crucial to consider the long-term impacts of logging operations on sensitive ecosystems. The future of at-risk trout species in the Highwood River watershed depends on responsible forestry practices that prioritize conservation and sustainability.
In conclusion, the logging plan in the upper Highwood River watershed poses a significant threat to at-risk trout species and their critical habitat. The findings of the study conducted by CPAWS and Freshwater Research Ltd. underscore the importance of balancing economic interests with environmental conservation efforts to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our natural ecosystems. As stakeholders continue to engage in discussions and consultations, it is imperative that all parties work together to find solutions that protect both the environment and the species that depend on it for survival..
– Scientists raise alarm over trout and Kananaskis logging plan
– Scientists raise alarm over trout and Kananaskis logging plan.
